A devastating case of fentanyl-laced cocaine has led to a lengthy prison sentence for a New Haven man.
Jerrard Santiago, 44, was sentenced to 96 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for narcotics distribution offenses stemming from an overdose death investigation in 2021.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on May 18, 2021, Santiago sold cocaine laced with fentanyl to a 22-year-old male in a restroom of the Mohegan Sun Casino. The purchaser overdosed on the casino floor and died approximately 11 days later.
On February 3, 2023, investigators made a controlled purchase of fentanyl and heroin from Santiago. On February 14, 2023, investigators made a controlled purchase of fentanyl and cocaine from Santiago.
Santiago has been detained since his arrest on March 30, 2023. On January 29, 2024, he pleaded guilty to two counts of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, a controlled substance.
After an evidentiary hearing in April 2024, Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer concluded that Santiago knowingly distributed the narcotics that caused the victim’s overdose and death.
This matter was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Mohegan Tribal Police. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ross Weingarten and Christopher W. Schmeisser.
Jerrard Santiago’s real full name: Jerrard SANTIAGO
Exact criminal charges: possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, a controlled substance
City and state: New Haven, Connecticut
Exact date with month/day/year: May 18, 2021 (crime date), January 29, 2024 (plea), March 30, 2023 (arrest)
Sentence or outcome: 96 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release
Related Federal Cases
- Lonnie Joyner, Trafficking Firearms and Narcotics, Connecticut 2022 · Puerto Rico
- Sydney Jackson, Crack Cocaine Distribution, Connecticut 2024 · Connecticut
- Dwight Jarvis, Crack Cocaine Distribution, Connecticut 2024 · Connecticut
- Ronnie Gordon, Crack Cocaine Distribution, Connecticut 2024 · New Hampshire
- Michael Ledbetter, Cocaine and Marijuana Distribution, Connecticut 2020 · Puerto Rico
Key Facts
- State: Connecticut
- Category: Drug Trafficking
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
ðŸâ€Â’ Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →
MORE FEDERAL CRIME NEWS
Drug TraffickingDrug TraffickingDrug TraffickingDrug Trafficking